Haemorrhoids (piles) - Symptoms of piles (haemorrhoids)

Most cases of piles (haemorrhoids) are mild, and the symptoms often disappear on their own after a few days. 

Some people may not even realise they have haemorrhoids, as they do not experience symptoms.

However, when symptoms do occur they may include: 

• bleeding after passing a stool (the blood will be bright red)
• itchiness around your anus (the opening where stools leave the body)
• a lump hanging down outside of the anus, which may need to be pushed back in after passing a stool
• a mucus discharge after passing a stool 
• soreness, redness and swelling around your anus

Haemorrhoids are not usually painful, unless their blood supply slows down or is interrupted.

When to seek medical advice

If you have persistent or severe symptoms of haemorrhoids, see your GP.

You should always get any rectal bleeding checked out, so your doctor can rule out more potentially serious causes.

Read more about how haemorrhoids are diagnosed.